How I Work: I’m an NIH-trained Clinical Health Psychologist and the Founder of the National Center for Health Psychology (NCHP). As the Supervising Psychologist and Director, I oversee and support a team of wonderful clinicians who share my commitment to helping people through some of life’s hardest challenges. For more than 10 years, I’ve worked closely with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating cancer, chronic illnesses (like MS, ALS, POTS, Crohn’s, EDS, and Dysautonomia), pain, and caregiving. I also work with grief, particularly around the loss of a spouse, child, or sibling.

My top specialty areas include:

• Psycho-oncology (across all stages of the cancer journey)

• Adjustment to disease/illness

• Chronic pain

• Grief associated with the loss of a family member (child, spouse, sibling)

My approach is collaborative and person-centered. I use evidence-based therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based practices, and compassion-focused work — all grounded in both modern science and ancient wisdom traditions. Most importantly, I bring humor and playfulness into the room, so that even in the midst of struggle, there’s space for lightness and connection. I can be reached directly at admin@nchpsych.com.

At NCHP, our goal is to help you and your loved ones reconnect with meaning, values, and a sense of purpose — even in the face of uncertainty.

About Me: I began my career as a research psychologist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) / National Cancer Institute (NCI), where my team and I received $500K in funding to study the longitudinal effects of disease and treatment in individuals with cancer, cancer predisposition syndromes, and other chronic health conditions (pain, insomnia, etc.). During this time, I also held a secondary appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology at George Washington University (GWU) supervising advanced clinical psychology PhD students. I have served on the Board of Directors for several international scientific organizations, including as President for both the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) Mid-Atlantic Chapter and the ACBS Cancer Special Interest Group. I previously served on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS).

In addition to my clinical and supervisory work at NCHP, I founded a Washington, DC-based consulting firm where my team and I train practitioners around the world in ACT and advise on international scientific research protocols.

When I’m not working, I love being outdoors with my family— especially climbing mountains (sometimes the really tall ones!).